Pesto Sauce
This classic Pesto Sauce recipe is quick and easy to make using fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil. Simply blend the ingredients together in a food processor or blender, adjust the seasoning to taste, and refrigerate until ready to use. This recipe makes about 1 cup of pesto sauce, with each tablespoon containing approximately 80 calories. It's perfect for adding flavor to pasta dishes, pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
Course Sauce
Cuisine Italian
Servings 16 Servings
Calories 80 kcal
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves peeled
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Place the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender.
Pulse the ingredients a few times until roughly chopped.
With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy paste.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or extra olive oil to thin it out.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or other airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.